Longtime friends strengthen their bond through kidney donation
About 10 years ago, Marcus Compton moved from Dallas, Texas to Fredericksburg, Texas, where he met Jose Aguirre — their families quickly became close, and their friendship grew over time. They hosted regular family gatherings, shared date nights, and mutual support.
Unfortunately, Jose’s life took a difficult turn when he was diagnosed with kidney disease. He had been managing his diabetes for years but was not as diligent as he should have been about his diet. Over time, his condition worsened, and his kidney function dropped to critical levels. "I wasn’t taking care of myself," Jose admits. "I was diabetic, and I didn’t know my kidneys were in trouble until it was almost too late." Jose was ultimately diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney disease.
At that point, doctors gave Jose two options: dialysis or a kidney transplant. Though dialysis could keep him alive, Jose did not want to face the pain and limitations it would bring. "I didn’t want to see myself on dialysis," he shares. "So, I prayed and hoped for a donor."
About six months after his diagnosis, a miracle happened. His longtime friend, Marcus, who had known about Jose’s struggles, decided to get tested as a potential donor. Marcus had been a constant support throughout Jose’s health challenges, and after learning that Jose was running out of time, he felt called to act.
"I remember when Jose’s wife posted about Jose needing a kidney," Marcus says. "It was a plea for prayers and support, but I didn’t think much about it at first. Then, my wife suggested that we should get tested to see if we were a match. I was ready to do whatever I could to help."
After undergoing many tests, Marcus learned he was a match. "When I found out, I was overwhelmed. I couldn’t believe I was the one who could help him," Marcus says, reflecting on the moment. "I wanted to do it so badly, but I did feel a lot of pressure, especially since Jose had a family. I knew it was a serious decision." For Jose, the news that Marcus was a match was emotional. "I kept telling Marcus that he didn’t have to do this, but he insisted. It meant the world to me."
The surgery took place on November 13, 2024, and both surgeries were successful. For Jose, the recovery was swift. "The transplant went great," he shares. "I was walking around a week after surgery.” His energy returned quickly, and his memory, which had been slipping before the transplant. "My wife was my biggest advocate, and I will never forget how much she supported me through this whole journey," Jose says. "And Marcus — he gave me a second chance at life."
For Marcus, donating a kidney was a decision filled with both excitement and nervousness. "It was a huge thing for me. I had never had surgery before," he shares. "But when I found out I was a match, I knew it was the right thing to do." Marcus admits that his recovery wasn’t as easy as he thought it would be. He was used to being on my feet, working all the time, and being active.
Despite the physical and mental challenges, Marcus found that the emotional and spiritual rewards were more than worth it. “I am a manager at a store and work part-time at a bar, so sitting still was hard for me. But after about four weeks, I felt good enough to get back to work. I probably overdid it, but I wanted to see if I could do it."
For Marcus, the experience has deepened his understanding of the importance of organ donation. "I see how it changed Jose’s life, and now I want to advocate for others to become donors too," Marcus shares. "It’s much easier than it sounds. You must educate yourself. It seems scary at first, but when you see how it impacts someone’s life, it’s totally worth it,” he adds. "My life hasn’t changed much — except that I have a scar to remind me of the difference I made in someone’s life. That’s the real gift."
Jose’s journey to receiving a kidney transplant and Marcus’s selfless decision to donate highlight the incredible bond of friendship, family, and the power of organ donation. Both men are now thriving — grateful for the second chance at life and committed to sharing their story to inspire others. Through their courage and kindness, they have not only changed each other’s lives but have also become advocates for the life-saving impact of organ donation.